Ten years ago we began the process of a full regional accounting of whom we are and where we want to go: New River Valley Vision 2020. We pictured a group of first graders in that first assessment - these same students finished their high school freshman year in June 2003. Even with advanced education in their future, these students most certainly will be seeking jobs before the year 2013. Will there be opportunities for them to continue to make this region their home?

As we stated then, we must reemphasize again, this plan is about what we must do now, not about what to do in the future. Though we can certainly point to changes in the region and in the world, we in the New River Valley are still the drivers of our future.

It can seem daunting to pursue visionary goals in these economic times. However, in 1993 when the Vision 2020 process began, we were facing sizeable layoffs and closings in our manufacturing businesses. We had double-digit unemployment and the military downsizing was hitting us at home by way of significant layoffs at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant.

Our 1995 Vision 2020 document recommended community investments of nearly $85 million over the next five years to address needs in the region. Nearly $200 million was invested in the New River Valley since 1995. This region, along with state, federal and private partners, made that happen.

Today we are facing serious federal and state budget crises that are impacting local governments and agencies as well. It is easy to place responsibility for this far from the New River Valley. Many discussions about how to improve our economy, our schools, our lives begins with “What they need to do is..” This plan calls us back into full participation in community. We are “they”!